High Quality Canvas for Your Masterpieces
When painting with watercolour, you need canvases that are extra-special – luckily we have put in the effort to make the perfect surface for you. Each of these canvases, from the large watercolour canvas to the small, have been covered in special gesso that will allow it to absorb your gorgeous watercolours without buckling. They are created from 100% acid-free cotton, giving that professional-quality look and feel that will ensure your art stands the test of time.
You’ll adore the smooth surface of these 250gsm canvases that allows for watercolours to bleed and blend together without losing vibrancy – we can’t wait to see what you create!
Watercolour Techniques
Ready to start painting on your canvas? Here are some fun watercolour on canvas techniques you can try that will elevate your art to the next level!
- Wet-on-wet – wet your canvas with a brush first, then load your brush with colour and lightly dab it onto the wet area. You will see your paint feather out in a beautiful bloom!
- Salt – use your wet-on-wet technique from above, then sprinkle either plain table salt or salt flakes over the paint. Wait until the paint has completely dried – you will see that the salt has absorbed some of the water and left beautiful, coral-like patterns on your paper.
- Spatter – while your brush is loaded with paint, hold it between your thumb and middle finger. Use your index finger to pull the bristles back, then release towards where you want the spatter to go. This is a great technique for showing things like spray, leaves and sand in your art.
Other Bits and Pieces
Of course, to make watercolour artwork you’ll need more than just canvas! Here are some of our recommendations to get you started:
- Eraldo Deluxe Watercolour Tube Set – this handy kit comes with 12 x 9ml tubes of watercolour paint, all fitting in a carry case that folds out into a palette for you to use.
- The Paper Mill Watercolour Inks - jewel bright and almost as thin as water, these inks are an easy way to add a bright splash of colour to your art.
- Paintbrushes – what kind of brush you need will depend on what you are trying to do:
- Try an Aquabrush as a fun alternative to a traditional watercolour brush – it’s no mess, easy application process makes painting simple.
- A round brush will help you paint both delicate details and bold lines. Synthetic brushes tend to hold their shape well, while natural brushes hold onto paint a little better.
- A wide flat brush is useful for laying large amounts of colour, fast! Ideal for creating a wash on your canvas.
- Spray Bottles – fill these with water and spray over watercolour paint for an interesting effect or fill with watercolour inks to apply in a cool misted pattern.
- Masking Tape or Fluid – use these to mask off areas on your canvas that you want to stay blank, then peel off when you’re done. Use tape for strong, straight lines and fluid for curved ones.
Top Tips for Painting Watercolour on Canvas
Painting watercolour on canvas is a little different to watercolour paper, so here are some tips for getting the most out of it:
- Water will rest on the surface of a canvas longer than paper, giving you more time to play around with colours. It is especially great for the wet-on-wet technique mentioned above!
- Watercolour paint on canvas is easier to ‘lift’ than when on paper. If you want to remove some paint or just lighten it, add water and use paper towel to carefully dab the watercolour away.
- Don’t be afraid to use rougher techniques like scraping or scratching. Techniques that would rip watercolour paper can be handled by these canvases!
We can’t wait to see what you can create on these watercolour canvases! Whether you are a beginner, student, hobbyist or professional artist, we would love to see what you dream up. Show off your art on our Facebook or Pinterest page, or tag us with @riotartandcraft on Instagram. Need some inspiration? Our Youtube and Vimeo channels have heaps of helpful and motivating videos that will help get your creative juices flowing.